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Japan asked for RWC assurances

Date published: August 27 2015

World Rugby has called on Japan to send a new proposal for their 2019 Rugby World Cup venues following the loss of their National Stadium as a host venue.

A new National Stadium was to be built in Tokyo and set to host the opening match, the final and other matches at the global showpiece in 2019 but Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scrapped the project due to escalating costs.

World Rugby are now seeking formal reassurances from Japan 2019 on a number of key points.

"Following a detailed analysis of the impact of the Japanese Government’s disappointing decision to remove the new National Stadium from the inventory of Rugby World Cup 2019 host venues, World Rugby has set out a revised roadmap for the Japan Rugby 2019 organising committee to deliver key assurances regarding the successful delivery of the tournament," the game's governing body said via a press statement.

"These are designed to ensure that Rugby World Cup 2019 will be a superb event that will further the development and growth of rugby in Japan and around the world.

"The new National Stadium was due to be the centrepiece of an exciting programme of 12 host venues, staging the opening match, the final and other key clashes and its loss has significant impact on the overall ticketing capacity and tournament budget.

"These are critical to an event that is the lifeblood of the game, underpinning its growth worldwide and the financial support of 120 national rugby federations.

"Further to detailed and positive consultation with JR 2019, World Rugby is seeking formal reassurance regarding the following key hosting criteria by the end of September in order to undertake a thorough review and analysis of the information.

– A revised detailed host venue proposal that delivers exceptional team and fan experience, maximising opportunities for fans to be a part of rugby’s showcase event

– A revised tournament budget with appropriate financial security

"World Rugby remains confident that the criteria can be met by the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee and that the first Rugby World Cup in Asia will be a resounding success."